Comments (7)

I suggest problem base learning, serendipity has no place in graphic design. By presenting a real world problem such as designing a package based on a style guide the student is forced to work in a real world way and it builds the fundamental skill of problem solving.

I require students to shoot their own photographs as part of their design projects. If they shoot their own photos, they tend to be much more creative than if they use stock photos. Additionally, working with a camera teaches them how to "see" and manipulating their own photos in Adobe shows them how important cropping and digital correction is.

I would absolutely agree with the previous two comments. As Dale mentioned, Project Based Learning is a huge motivator for many. Come up with project prompts that are pitched to mimic real-world design problems that needs to be solved. Also, the importance of the fundamentals of drawing cannot be overstated.

I would add that I have gotten a lot of creativity out of my students by breaking out of the "graphic design" box. Many projects that my students create are more "art" projects using Photoshop and Illustrator. They create a "cute monster" vector illustration, a surreal photoshop composite and other projects. We are then able to use such creations with text, logos, et al to create a a "graphic design" project.